Can the P.M. ensure a thorough review of the Chinese company bidding for Aecon?

Mr. Speaker, all that remains to be done now is the rubber stamp of the Investment Canada Act for one of Canada’s largest construction companies, Aecon, to be sold to a state-owned enterprise of the People’s Republic of China, the China Communications Construction Company, CCCI.

This company has a very troubling human rights, environmental, and safety record, yet it has not come before this House. We are not hearing about it. Could the Prime Minister assure this place that this sale will be put through a thorough review before Investment Canada rubber-stamps it?

Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, every proposed investment of this scale is examined on a case-by-case basis to ensure that it is in Canada’s best interest. This rigorous process is done in consultation with our national security agencies. When it comes to the health and safety of Canadian workers, this is an issue we take very seriously.

We are currently working with provinces and territories to improve occupational health and safety regulations. We expect all companies operating in Canada to follow all provincial and federal regulations and make sure workers have a safe working environment.